In Ontario County, New York, local officials and economic development leaders are sounding the alarm over a growing energy infrastructure crisis that is obstructing new housing construction. Despite strong demand for homes, particularly for essential workers, outdated electrical grids are preventing developers from moving forward, even on shovel-ready sites.
A major example is a proposed 650-unit housing development in Canandaigua, which would serve critical workforce needs but now faces $20–25 million in required utility upgrades just to connect to the existing power grid. Even after such investment, adjacent parcels may remain without sufficient capacity for future residential or commercial use.
This challenge is not isolated. Across the Finger Lakes and broader Upstate region, communities eager to expand housing are encountering the same barrier: insufficient electrical infrastructure. Without reliable power, construction halts, projects stall, and the region’s housing shortage worsens.
Senator Pam Helming, representing the 54th District, attributed the issue to state energy mandates outpacing infrastructure readiness. She pointed to the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA), which she said forced the closure of dependable power sources before adequate replacements were operational. Utilities are now warning municipalities that grid capacity is maxed out.
“Housing is essential for maintaining a strong workforce and vibrant communities,” said Tracey Dello Stritto, president of the Ontario County Chamber of Commerce. “Sustained economic growth depends on having both homes and modern infrastructure. We’re committed to working with developers and government to ensure Ontario County remains an attractive place to live and invest.”
Ryan Davis, director of Ontario County Economic Development, emphasized that housing availability is the top concern for employers. While the county has taken proactive steps—becoming home to nearly 25% of the Finger Lakes’ pro-housing communities—progress is being undermined by years of underinvestment in energy systems and unmet state energy goals.
Senator Helming called for an immediate pause on CLCPA-driven mandates and all-electric building requirements until grid capacity can meet demand. She also urged substantial state investment to modernize the energy network, stressing that without power, homes cannot be built, and families cannot stay.
— news from The New York State Senate (.gov)
— News Original —
Senator Helming, OnChamber and Ontario County Economic Development Warn Energy Shortages Are Stalling Housing Development
Canandaigua, NY — Senator Pam Helming, the Ontario County Chamber of Commerce, Ontario County Economic Development, and local housing developers recently met to discuss the region’s electrical grid capacity crisis; a growing problem that is stalling new housing projects and making New York’s housing shortage worse. n nOne example is in Canandaigua, where a planned 650-unit housing project, exactly the type needed for essential workers, now faces $20–25 million in upgrades just to connect to the electric grid. Even then, nearby parcels will remain without adequate power for future homes or businesses. n nThis project is not unique. Across the Finger Lakes and Upstate New York, communities ready to build new housing are hitting the same wall: outdated and undersized electrical infrastructure. Without enough power to support growth, shovel-ready sites sit idle, construction is delayed, and housing shortages deepen. n n“This is what happens when state mandates outpace reality,” said Senator Helming, 54th New York State Senate District. “The CLCPA forced reliable power producers offline before replacement capacity was in place. Now, utilities are warning municipalities the grid is full. We can’t build housing if we can’t power it, and we can’t keep families here when the infrastructure they depend on is falling apart.” n n”Housing is an essential part of sustaining a strong workforce, a thriving business community, and vibrant neighborhoods. Continued economic growth depends on having both the housing and modern infrastructure to support it. We remain committed to working collaboratively with business leaders, developers, and government partners to ensure Ontario County continues to be a place where people want to live, work, and invest,” said Tracey Dello Stritto, Ontario County Chamber of Commerce President. n n“The biggest issue facing economic development in Ontario County and across the region has been the lack of available housing. The number one concern for both current and prospective employers working with my department has been, where will we get the people? Because of this, Ontario County has taken the lead with nearly 25% of the pro-housing communities within the Finger Lakes. Despite this hard work, our communities are now faced with the harsh reality that they may not be able to realize the growth that they have prepared for because of years of neglect from the utilities and NYS energy goals that we are not prepared to achieve,” said Ryan Davis, Ontario County Economic Development. n n“New York’s housing crisis is urgent, and delays caused by inadequate energy infrastructure will only make it worse,” Senator Helming said. “If we want nurses, welders, EMTs, teachers, and young families to live and work here, we must give them both a home and the power to keep it running. That starts with an immediate pause on the CLCPA and all-electric building mandates until grid capacity meets demand, and with significant state investment to modernize our energy infrastructure now.” n nSenator Pam Helming represents the 54th Senate District, which includes all of Ontario, Wayne, and Livingston counties and parts of Monroe County. Tracey Dello Stritto serves as President of the Ontario County Chamber of Commerce. Ryan Davis is the Director of Ontario County Economic Development.